“Speaking of which, senior brother might not be aware. Although I have just returned, I am soon to be assigned to the Ze Province, hopefully to take up the position of prefect there.

I heard from my mentor that both he and you once spent years living in Ze Province. I’m wondering if you could tell me more about the place.

My mentor mentioned that there is a senior uncle of Great Dao Teaching in Ze Province. But why have I never heard of him before?”

Putting aside Lin Qianhe, Zhang Qingzhi was still quite mentally grounded. Having been forced by Zhang Rongfang to wipe his face and tidy his hair, he finally exhaled.

“Senior uncle?”

Upon hearing this title, he was stunned for a moment.

Soon after, recalling something, his expression changed immediately.

It wasn’t an ordinary change.

Generally, people’s expressions don’t change too quickly or suddenly, but at this moment, Zhang Qingzhi’s face truly showed an exaggerated, unbearable, distorted expression.

“You’re actually going to Ze Province!? To see the senior uncle!?!?” He quickly stood up from his seat, his forehead slightly damp with sweat, and his face flushed red, as if the alcohol he had consumed was completely sobered by the news.

“Um…” Zhang Rongfang was puzzled by the other’s strong reaction.

He didn’t know what Zhang Qingzhi had experienced in Ze Province, but now, years later, hearing the combination of Ze Province and senior uncle, his reaction was so intense.

Judging by the distortion of his expression, Zhang Qingzhi might have gone through some extremely terrifying events there…

“Junior brother…” Zhang Qingzhi began pacing, his steps quick and urgent.

He lowered his head, walked back and forth repeatedly, seemingly contemplating how to dissuade Zhang Rongfang from this idea.

“Junior brother, did you know, though Celestial Treasure Palace is the Ancestral Court of Great Dao Teaching, the true origins were not here. The foundation of Great Dao Teaching isn’t actually in the Great Capital.”

Stopping his steps, Zhang Qingzhi looked at Zhang Rongfang seriously and said solemnly.

“Is there such a saying?” Zhang Rongfang frowned slightly.

“Some things can’t be openly discussed, but that’s basically how it is.” Zhang Qingzhi said seriously, “Ze Province is actually the true origin and foundation of Great Dao Teaching. You could say that that place is the true base of our sect.”

“How so? Could senior brother please explain?” Zhang Rongfang became solemn, slightly cupping his hands in respect.

“I don’t know much, but most of Great Dao Teaching’s heritage and power is gathered in Ze Province.” Zhang Qingzhi thought and recalled, “I’ll tell you what I can that is permissible here.”

“Great Dao Teaching is the second largest sect in Daoism, yet regardless of where the Dao Palaces are located, few masters ever appear.

Junior brother might wonder, despite the lack of masters, how Great Dao Teaching remains in its position as the second-largest sect in Daoism?”

“I’ve indeed had this curiosity.” Zhang Rongfang nodded.

“That’s because of Ze Province.” Zhang Qingzhi said seriously, “Unlike other places, Ze Province holds close to half of our strength. It’s governed by our mentor’s uncle, our senior uncle.”

“What kind of person is that senior uncle…? Is he dangerous?” Zhang Rongfang frowned.

Judging by Zhang Qingzhi’s expression, it seemed there were many hidden stories within.

“In a way, yes, he is dangerous. When you go to Ze Province, it’s best not to engage too closely with them. In reality, when our mentor unified the powers on both sides, it wasn’t through force, but persuasion.” Zhang Qingzhi gave a solemn warning.

“Can you give a general idea of what the situation is over there?” Seeing his senior brother’s significant reaction, Zhang Rongfang’s curiosity was piqued.

“I can’t say… Honestly, I don’t remember many details as I was young then, and now, so many years have passed. The situation has surely changed drastically. I don’t want to mislead you. But junior brother, you must remember not to engage too much!” Zhang Qingzhi’s breath was heavy as he firmly grasped Zhang Rongfang’s hand.

“…. Understood!” Zhang Rongfang nodded earnestly.

Immediately, he no longer brought up the topic, and instead casually conversed with Zhang Qingzhi about cultivation practices, medicinal herb identification, and other miscellaneous topics.

“By the way, a few years ago, Daoist Jinghong, one of the Five Sons of Ming Mountain, went to Ze Province to take over all affairs.

Junior brother, you must be cautious of this person.” Zhang Qingzhi advised.

“Why is that? Isn’t Zhenyi currently opposing the Western Sect?” Zhang Rongfang asked.

“The Western Sect has already been fully suppressed. I heard from someone that the situation over there is dire, and the great monk from True Buddha Temple is constantly cursing, even having no desire for the Celestial Demon Dance.” Zhang Qingzhi whispered.

“Thank you for the warning, senior brother.” Zhang Rongfang nodded.

“It’s good that you’re aware. Ah…” Zhang Qingzhi sighed deeply.

“Senior brother, are you feeling better now? Can you tell me why you were so drunk earlier?” Seeing him slightly improved, Zhang Rongfang finally turned the topic back to this matter.

As soon as this was mentioned, Zhang Qingzhi trembled all over, and his demeanor became downcast.

He breathed long sighs, slumped into a seat, and drooped his head.

After several minutes of calming down, he slowly started to speak.

“It’s my Xiaohao…” Zhang Qingzhi shook his head, “It’s laughable, I used to be so stupid, so naive. I truly believed she was as pure as a sunny flower… unfortunately..”

He lowered his head, covering his face.

“…You know, I caught her in the act! Her and others… with three people…..”

Tears slowly dripped through his fingers, the tears of a man feeling betrayed…

For some reason, Zhang Rongfang wanted to laugh, but seeing the other so sorrowful, he knew if he laughed now, their brotherhood would surely be severed.

Thus he thought for a moment, and said.

“It’s alright… seeing the truth now is better than finding out after marriage…”

Wiping away tears, Zhang Qingzhi raised his head.

“I may never believe in love again in my life…”

“Finding solace in the landscape is also a good choice.” Zhang Rongfang comforted.

“Um…. however, in the end… Xiaohao said she truly loves me still. I think she’s being genuine.” Zhang Qingzhi said seriously.

“This…” Zhang Rongfang opened his mouth slightly, unsure of how to respond.

“Forget it, forget it, let’s not talk about this. I’ll live well with Xiaohao from now on. Life is long, everyone makes mistakes, and since Xiaohao is willing to change, I am willing to give her this chance.” Zhang Qingzhi wiped his tears and continued.

“….” Zhang Rongfang found himself at a loss for words. He could only change the subject and discuss other miscellaneous matters.

That night, the two talked by candlelight, chatting until dawn.

It also drew the relationship between the brothers closer by a large step. During this time, Zhang Rongfang attempted multiple times to persuade his senior brother, but alas…..

Early the next morning, Zhang Rongfang received a decree from the palace delivered by an official.

Instructing him to prepare for his departure to Ze Province within half a month.

Wasting no time, Zhang Rongfang quickly gathered his belongings, left letters and oral messages for Zhang Yunqi and others who were still on the road, and immediately set off with the team arranged by Celestial Treasure Palace for Ze Province.

He did not wish to linger in the Great Capital, as there were too many experts here, with hidden currents everywhere. Attempting anything in secret would easily be discovered.

The freedom outside was better. He could do what he wished without too much worry.

With the vast and sparsely populated land outside, gathering flesh and blood would be much more convenient.

After he prepared all the necessary supplies.

This time, Zhang Rongfang planned to set off with a convoy. Not only did he need to go to Ze Province, but he was also accompanied by a group arranged by Celestial Treasure Palace.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep